[LVAS] New dobs from Orion

[Jonathan Kade]

Like Rob, my first reaction was that it had to be a joke.  In addition
to being 20' tall when upright, the 50" costs only a little less than
the average home in the US.  It's truly exciting to think that a
handful of people and clubs might buy these, but I'm really perplexed.
 It seems so ludicrous and over the top that I can't help thinking
they have some angle on this that we're not seeing yet.

Maybe Orion is targeting these at well-to-do astronomy clubs and
universities, as well as those who can get grants?  But you can do a
lot with $50-$125K!  I have to say that having these behemoths
potentially available does open up astronomy clubs who wouldn't build
a large telescope themselves to seeking grants to buy one... even if
transportation, storage, insurance, and seeing conditions do make for
a huge burden.

Jonathan